It is flanked by steep, mountainsides, home to a sizable herd of goats (judging from the clinking of bells) as well as a tepid sea, sheltered by a lush bay. There are churches tucked away in winding streets, and for those of you who want to enjoy a waterside view without the sand, the town is built around a beautiful lake (Lake Voulismeni), where you can take in the views, whilst also dining in style in one of a multitude of lakeside restaurants. Wonderful! Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. Agia Roumeli is the most visited village in the area as it forms the exit point for the popular Samaria Gorge hike every day in the summer hundreds pop out of the gorge and onto a ferry to X where they can reconnect with the road system. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. It has a tranquil fishing village vibe, although the heart of the village does feel a bit commercialised, and there are some small beaches a short walk away (the main one is Boufos). Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. Big Sur's craggy cliffs are breathtaking, but for an equally beautiful and less crowded California alternative, try this quiet spot tucked between Monterey and Carmel. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. 8. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Show Prices. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Although, shell always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages Paris, her true city of lights. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. I loved Ligaria a small and charming seaside village located on the north side of Crete especially its lovely beach which has the same name. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Glyka Nera is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit on the island, with deep blue water and fine white sands. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. On a budget? If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. But it has everything you need its ideal if youre looking to enjoy one place for your holiday and dont feel the need to visit the larger towns. And oh the food! This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. Top attractions and things to do in Chania include: Head west from the main harbour to hit the town beaches Nea Chora is the closest and a 15-minute walk, Chryssi Akti is the nicest. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. callback: cb If you can get beyond immediate appearances, it has a likeable vibe there are some excellent museums and a good bar and music scene propped up by the local student population. But there are plenty of returners from those days its warm seas, great views, and some of the best fishing in Greece make it particularly popular with expats. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Meanwhile, the main beach of the area, West Triopetra or Chatzi, is characterised by beautiful coarse sand which casts unusual colours across the beach and water. 18. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. Its also a good base if you want to rent a car as there are plenty of beaches to explore in the area and its only a 15-minute drive to Rethymnon. It is an absolute must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Sougia or Hora Sfakion, where they could spend a night or they could catch a coach back to Chania. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. 9. Did somebody say wine? Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Its not perhaps as quaint as some of the other places on this list but what it lacks in tradition it more than makes up for in swankiness and still manages to retain an air of what makes Crete so great. Bored of sunning yourself? If youre bringing the familiy you may prefer a villa with a pool have a look at Philoxenia Villas which has fresh modern decor and is 200 yards from the beach. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Its super sedate. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. Therefore it can be easier to decide on arrival airport/port first, or any attractions that you particularly want to visit, in order to narrow down where to stay. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Sougia is a small village located by the Libyan sea, it can be a bit of a drive, especially from some of the more developed areas, but that was half the fun! The infamous resort of Malia is known for its 24hr party scene its the best spot for nightlife on Crete, as legions of teenage boys well know. Mid-range boutique: Casa Cook is a beach resort reimagined for the Instagram generation, with boho-chic minimalism up on the hills behind the beach in Kato Daratsa. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. This is tucked away in a remote pocket of Crete's south-western corner, so you could be forgiven for thinking you might have it all to yourself. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. There are actually three beaches within walking distance from the cobbled stone street village, all of which are pretty shallow and nestled amongst some really lovely local topography, allowing for some rather nice snorkelling experiences. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. There are numerous beaches to visit, and if they are a bit far or you want to go further afield, as a bigger resort you can find hire cars for the standard rate. all were excellent and we recommend this hotel with a true "vacation vibe" to all couples wanting a quiet and relaxing vacation on the wonderful beach of Crete". Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. The pink sands of Elafonisi are one of the main attractions in west Crete, with coachloads arriving every day to bathe in the glorious lagoon-like waters. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. Show prices. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. Up until fairly recently, Elafonisi was one of Cretes best-kept secrets, sadly social media selfie-lovers got a firm grasp of it, so it can get seriously busy in the high seasons. If you want a bit of light culture there is a church (Agios Panteleimon) on the Western side of the village, it has a gorgeous mosaic floor and is not commercial in any way (if you want to see it youll have to go to the kiosk on Sougia beach and ask for the key yourselfseriously)! Youll find the standard Greek beachside fare if you want to have a halftime break, and nestled in its backstreets are a multitude of boutique-style shops selling some handmade, and some not-so-handmade trinkets. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. 4.4/5 Wonderful! These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. My favourite was Geropotamos Beach, there is a rather attractive stone arch to the west and, on the east, a freshwater river running directly into the sea. Its a relaxed resort town (well compared to its busier neighbours) and if you want a no-nonsense turn-up and relax on the beach holiday then this is a good choice. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. It's quiet not only because the village is quiet and the people who go there are quiet, but because it's so big: 1.3 km long, and very wide, so that even in high season you can feel that you've got it almost to yourself. It has a pretty setting in the Gulf of Mirabello with waterfront bars encircling a small lake its made for people watching, and there is a cosmopolitan cafe-bar scene. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. FalassarnaBeachhas won prizes for being the most beautiful beach in Crete and is always one of the top ten beaches in Europe, with its wonderful, fine white sand and warm, crystal-clear water. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Some swim-up rooms are available. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Again due to its relative remoteness, youll be able to leave your disco shoes at home as well have none of that here, thanks very much. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. The main town in the region is likeable Agios Nikolaos (or Ag Nik, as its affectionately known), which makes up the quartet of north coast main cities. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Despite its proximity to larger resorts, the bus service to Sissi is limited, so its better suited to couples looking for a quiet place to stay in Crete or those wanting to explore the wild Agios Ioannis peninsula by car. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. A few Venetian buildings remain but most of the city is a modern concrete jungle that always seems to be dusty and full of building works that were halted during the crisis. A classy, modern hotel. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. { Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. See more photos Add to shortlist. Many boat trips, excursions, and day tours are available, and its possible to make some journeys (such as hiking the Samaria Gorge) yourself by bus. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. 1. forms: { Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. Outside this, its a large resort town with an excellent (though busy) beach, an unashamedly commercial centre, and a charming old quarter (Old Malia), where youll find traditional houses and tavernas. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. There are numerous beaches dotted about, and if you are staying for more than a few days it can be good fun to try a different one each day. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. The City Hotel & Suites is a clean and modern hotel offering excellent value at a lower price point, as are Menta City Boutique Hotel and Omiros Boutique Hotel. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Slap bang in the middle of the northern coastline, the city of Heraklion (also spelt Iraklio or Iraklion) is the capital and its surrounding coastline is some of the busiest and most developed on Crete. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. " Clean, spacious rooms, quiet sandy beach with amazing panorama, pools of different sizes and located in different areas of the resort, great waterpark with many . Cool or what? The only parking is on the street which is very limited. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Several celebrities (including Brad and Angelina in happier days) have been spotted walking on its sandy shores, this combined with it being a hotspot for European dignitaries just adds to the appeal. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Location 3.9. What delights visitors the most about the White Mountains is the central and southern part of the Lefka Ori which, due to the high altitude, resembles a lunar landscape and offers visiting hikers a surreal experience of walking on the moon which, is wholly unique to the northern hemisphere. Service 4.3. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. On a budget? Coastal perfection. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. It also provides stunning views from all angles. Pick of the pack is the uber-chic Serenissima Boutique Hotel its located one block back from the main harbour in a 15th-century Venetian mansion. Top things to see and do in Rethymno include: And possible day trips in the area include: Rethymnon Beach is Cretes longest sandy beach at 12km long, and as it extends east from the city it swallows up villages that have long since morphed into suburban beach resorts. Blue Palace Elounda 9. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Heraklion itself is not quite an attractive destination in the same way that Chania and Rethymnon are much of its historic architecture was damaged during heavy bombing in WWII. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Stavros Bay aerial: Mike Drosos / Shutterstock, Matala rocks: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock, Map of Crete: The Mediterranean Traveller, Map of Chania region The Mediterranean Traveller, Elafonissi: Zakhar Marunov / Adobe Stock, Paleochora: Vladimir1984 / Shutterstock, Map of Rethymnon region The Mediterranean Traveller, Panormo: Jaroslav Moravcik / Shutterstock, Agia Galini: Georgios Kritsotakis / Shutterstock, Map of Heraklion region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agia Pelagia: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock, Map of Lasithi region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agios Nikolaos: olgaarkhipenko / Adobe Stock, Elounda: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Gates where the sides of the gorge close into a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. The local fare in many of the harbour tavernas is about as close as you can come to freshness, maybe even caught meters from where you sit. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy.